LEAP (Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program) is currently seeking Activity Specialists–Chess various Elementary and Middle and High Schools.

At LEAP we believe in the transformational power of the arts. We started as a grassroots movement with just four schools. Today, our teaching artists serve 25,000 youth across the city in over 140 New York City public schools. Every day, our educational arts programs inspire diverse school communities to be more engaged in learning and build critical skills. Our quality educational arts programs promote access and equity for New York City students underserved in the arts.

We are seeking educators who share our belief in the power of experiential learning. LEAP Activity Specialists act as the lead instructors in LEAP after school programs.

If you love working with children in the Arts, this a great opportunity to share your passion in the Arts in our afterschool programs, summer programs and special projects.

We offer flexible part-time schedules Monday – Friday of 15-20 hours per week.

Chess instruction is the process of coaching students, helping them to learn rules and pieces, improve their chess strategy, and coordinate student matches. Providing demonstrations of basic and complex movements, how to set up and care for a chess set properly and encourage positive sportsmanship.

Activity Specialists are passionate, experienced instructors with an interest in arts education for long term teaching opportunities at our partner schools in all five boroughs. Activity Specialists must have demonstrated precious experience teaching visual art, ideally in NYC public school settings. Act as support staff in the after-school environment, helping to ensure a safe, positive, and organized environment for youth participants, but not limited to the following:

• Prepared to follow the schedule provided by the Program Director/Manager.
• Manage program arrival, attendance, and dismissal.
• Monitor children during program hours; including safe and organized use of outdoor/indoor equipment, bathroom breaks, arrival, departure, and transitions between classes.
• Ensure program areas are clean and safe from beginning to end of each program day.
• Plan and implement engaging and active lessons that combine the arts and academics.
• Establish and deliver clear lesson objectives writing daily lesson plans using the LEAP lesson plan format and the LEAP Way.
• Prepare your classroom and all materials prior to facilitating planned activities.
• Actively collaborating with group leaders to ensure they are implementing supervision best practices and managing program safety during large group active play and/or trips.
• Assist children with daily homework assignments.
• Make LEAP a visible and exciting part of the school community.
• Aid in the organization and execution of student culminating performances and celebratory events.
• Work closely with the program leadership to gather student data, attendance, assessment, and teaching documentation.
• Work in collaboration with the daytime school community to help reach, meet, and build positive relationships with parents.
• Lead experiences that drive student growth in creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking.
• Support learners to make meaning of their experiences through routine thoughtful reflection.
  Acknowledge, participate, respond to, and celebrate the culture of the communities that we serve.

The successful candidate will have the following Qualifications:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience working with youth in a classroom or group setting
• Demonstrated excellence in Chess.
• Experience successfully instructing youth in the arts, with evidence working towards a culminating project
• Familiarity working with Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
• Passion for inclusion and advocacy in the arts
• Enjoy working with youth in a team environment
• Effective writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Must be punctual, responsible, resilient, and reliable
• Self-motivated, highly efficient, and able to problem-solve
• Proactive, hands-on approach, as well as a professional work ethic
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel to multiple boroughs
• Experience working in a multicultural environment
• Able to pass all NYS SACC clearances and background checks inclusive of a work physical and TB
• Exemplary in all areas of the job, including planning, engagement, facilitation, and professionalism
• Ability to relate to officials, staff, and public in a courteous manner

LEAP provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to age, citizenship, color, disability status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, protected veteran status, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.